Kenosha, WI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

10, no land-disturbing activity may occur and no Building Permit may issue until the Code Official issues an Erosion Control Permit. Applicants submit a signed application, an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan meeting Wisconsin DNR/Commerce standards, copies of any other required government approvals, and a construction timetable. Permits run 180 days from issuance, or for the length of the related Building Permit, whichever is longer; a one-year extension is available if work has proceeded in a professional manner, with denials appealable to the Stormwater Utility Committee within 30 days at no fee.

On projects of one acre or more, the landowner must post a $5,000 cash assurance at the time the grading permit issues, used to cover mudtracking cleanup or stormwater damage if the site is not maintained, and replenished if depleted before completion. One- and two-family projects finished between September 15 and May 1 may be rough-graded to prevent runoff but must be finally graded and stabilized no later than the following June 1. The Code Official inspects the site at least once every 30 days during construction, and the permittee must notify the Code Official within 10 days of completing stabilization so a compliance inspection can follow.

Soil stockpiles require prior approval and must be removed or graded to the approved plan by permit expiration or issuance of Temporary Occupancy, whichever comes first. Grass, weeds, and vegetation on the site may not exceed eight inches; the City can perform cleanup itself and specially assess the cost plus a $100 administrative fee.